Jewels Smith

Writer and Publisher | Hafrocentric

Jewels Smith is a writer, educator, and community organizer. She created (H)afrocentric as a way to challenge students and readers alike about the presumptions around race, class, gender and sexuality through character dialogue. Smith was honored at the African American Library and Museum of Oakland with the first annual Excellence in Comics and Graphic Novels Award. In 2016, she received the Glyph Award for Best Writer on (H)afrocentric Volume 4.

Presentations from Facing Race 2018

Comics & Advocacy: How to use Your Passion to Empower Your Community

The Women in Comics Collective International is an organization that focuses on highlighting the merit and craft work of women working in the comic book industry. They host workshops, art shows, and panel discussions across the country; as well as their own comic book convention in NYC called 'WinC Con', (pronounced Wink). Through their work to empower themselves they have empowered the greater community by teaching others how to use the medium of comics as both literacy and advocacy tools. They are an example of people who were very passionate about their work and equally as passionate about using this medium to help empower their community through educational and career accessibility. This workshop will not only discuss how comics can be used as advocacy tools, but how any career can be used as a basis for community organization and galvanization.

Speakers: Regine L. Sawyer, Jewels Smith